When we left off last time, the front and back of the tote were complete and ready for assembly. If you missed the first part with the cutting directions and initial construction, click on Sew Pretty Tote.

Because I want to work on this while it is flat as long as possible, the first thing to do for assembly is to sew the front and back together on bottom seam. I use clips instead of pins for this due to the bulk.

Lay the piece out, and hard press the seam open. Then press from the top side to set the seam. At this point, if you want to cover the seam inside to enclose the raw edges, sew a binding over that seam.

Sew the short edges of your handle webbing together, making sure the webbing is flat and not twisted. Put a few drops of fray check on the cut ends. Mark the halfway point from the seam to the center with a pin. Lay the webbing on the bag with the webbing seam at the bottom bag seam with the raw edges of the webbing towards the bag. Follow the vertical seams on the bag. At the halfway point marked with the pin, place that point on the other bottom seam. This will ensure the handles are the same length without doing a bunch of measuring. Pin in place.

At the top edge of both the front and back, place a pin 1-1/2-inches down from the raw edge. You will stop sewing at this point to allow room to insert the zipper.

I put those pins crosswise, using a larger pin that normal so I don’t sew past it.

Begin sewing at the bottom seam with backstitching for security. This backstitching will end up on the bottom of the bag where it won’t be seen. Stitch up to the pin marking the top edge of stitching, stitch across the webbing, then down the other side to the other raw edge. Stitch across, then back to the starting point. Repeat for the other side.

Pin the handles out of the way to insert the zipper. Pin the zipper right sides together with the top of the bag front.

Sew using a zipper foot at about half the width of the zipper tape.

Now, here is the tricky part, and I hope I can explain this well. Fold the top of the bag over towards the zipper, tucking the raw edge up. Snug it up tightly. Pin in place.

Stitch in the ditch to enclose the raw edge. Note that I am using black thread here, as the outside of the bag is black on the edges.

When I got to the cream section, I stopped and changed thread color. Then I went back to black for the other edge.

Take a look at the bag closely, this is the last time it will be flat. If you see anything that needs to be fixed, now is the time. Next, place the right side of the other edge of the zipper to the right side of the tote bag back. Sew.

Repeat the step to cover the raw edge of the seam.

Open the zipper, sew the side seams. Box the bottom seam (see my post on Finishing the Lemon Purse for details on that). I made mine about 1-1/2 inches from the point on this bag. Turn right side out, and it is done!

I added a key ring to the zipper pull for a little extra pizazz, and to make it easier to open and close the zipper.

The handles are long enough to carry as a shoulder tote.

I will be carrying it today at the quilt show. Its generous size will hold my lunch and my camera, and have room to spare for purchases at the vendor booths, bookstore and gift shop. I love it!

Do you think you might make a tote like this?